Dubai Became The First City In The World To Start Autonomous Taxi Service

Tesla has now made the first delivery of 50 cars of a 200 vehicle deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was made in February. The new fleet includes both Model S sedans and Model X SUVs, each equipped with Tesla’s latest Autopilot software. The goal is for the vehicles to be a fleet of autonomous taxis, but they do not yet have full autonomous capabilities. But, while the world waits for this technology to develop and be incorporated, drivers of Tesla’s cars can take advantage of the current semi-autonomous system.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA):

Tesla vehicles procured by the RTA of Models (S) and (X) are equipped with the hardware needed for full self-driving capability at a safety level greater than that of a human driver. Tesla’s Autopilot is designed as a hands-on experience to give drivers more confidence behind the wheel, increase their safety on the road, and make highway driving more enjoyable by reducing the driver’s workload.

These 50 cars are only a starting point for Dubai’s autonomous taxi plans. Other parts of the world have also begun trials for autonomous taxi services. Uber started a trial of partially autonomous taxis in Pittsburgh last year. Washington has also expressed interest in the proliferation of autonomous driving technologies to potentially make its roads safer.